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Diet: Flake, Frozen, Freeze-dried

Maximum size: 2"

Water temperature: 72-82&deg F

Swimming level: Middle

Schooling fish

Experience level: Beginner

Tank Setup: 10+ gallons

Note: Pet availability is seasonal. State and local regulations may vary. Pricing may vary by store location. PetSmart stores cannot match the price below for this pet. Ask a store associate for details.

Great for beginner aquarists, barbs are hardy, lively schooling fish with a striking coloration. Barbs are playful, active swimmers and may harass or nip the fins of slow moving fish. If kept in schools of five or more they usually stick to themselves, and do not bother the other fish in the aquarium as often as only one or two barbs would.

Barbs eat both plant and animal matter, including prepared foods, small live foods and certain vegetables. You will see your barbs swimming in the middle of your aquarium. To create a beautiful environment, be sure to add some top and bottom swimmers as well. Ask a PetSmart associate to help you choose.

Things to remember

Staple dietChoose a tropical flake or pellet food. Feed according to the directions on the package.

VegetablesSmall amounts of romaine lettuce, zucchini and peas are a good addition to the diet. Also try a prepared food made with spirulina (a nutritious type of algae). Remove uneaten vegetables after four hours.

Specialty foodsVary their diet by including frozen or freeze-dried bloodworms, tubifex worms and other small worms, mosquito larvae and daphnia. Always remember to thaw frozen foods before feeding.

Frequent feedingsFor optimum health, feed your barbs as much food as they will consume in 1-3 minutes, twice a day. You can alternate between regular staple diet feedings and 2-4 meals per week of a specialty food.

AquariumStart with a 20-gallon or larger, long aquarium. A good rule of thumb is one gallon of water for every one inch of full-grown fish.

DécorDecorate their aquarium with rocks, driftwood and plants, but be sure to place them on the sides and back of the tank so they'll have enough space to swim in the center.

Fish compatibilityBarbs are healthiest and happiest in an aquarium with a large school for active swimming and games. They may become aggressive if kept in too small a group, or may become shy and withdrawn if kept alone.

Vet Assured PromiseAll pets purchased at PetSmart are raised under our exclusive Vet Assured program and come with a 14-day satisfaction guarantee. Vet Assured is a program designed by PetSmart veterinarians to improve the health and well-being of our pets. The program sets standards for the care of our pets by our live animal partners and store associates and establishes strict standards for the monitoring and prevention of common illnesses found in pets. PetSmart makes a significant investment in the care of our pets and it is apparent in the quality and comfort of the pets in our stores. However, if your pet becomes ill during this initial 14-day period, or if you're not satisfied with your pet for any reason, PetSmart will gladly replace the pet or refund the purchase price. Please keep your sales receipt and return the pet to the store where it was purchased if needed.

Free Shipping-Offer applies to Standard Shipping only. Due to size and/or weight, certain items bear a shipping surcharge or special handling fee, which will still apply. Savings will automatically reflect in shopping cart with the purchase of qualifying merchandise. Maximum value $75. Valid only on orders shipped within the contiguous 48 U.S. states and to military APO/FPO addresses. Offer not valid on products in the following categories: live pets; canned, fresh or frozen foods; select cat litters. Offer may not be combined with other promotional offers or discounts. Terms and conditions of this offer are subject to change at the sole discretion of PetSmart. Offer valid online only through December 12, 2016 @ 6:30 am EST.

Bonus Bucks- SPEND $35 on dog or cat food, treats, chews, rawhide or cat litter, in store or online* GET $5* off your next in-store purchase of dog or cat food, treats, chews, rawhide or cat litter *$5 register receipt coupon issued on in-store & online purchases of all dog or cat food, treats, chews, rawhide or cat litter of $35 or more made from 10/31/16-1/2/17. Coupons are redeemable for in-store purchases of dog or cat food, treats, chews, rawhide or cat litter. Coupons issued from 10/31/16-11/27/16 are redeemable from 10/31/16-1/2/17 and coupons issued from 11/28/16-1/2/17 are redeemable from 11/28/16-1/29/17. Excludes in-store pickup purchases. Transaction total is prior to taxes & after discounts are applied. Subject to availability. Selection may vary by store.